Species magnolia
A pink-white flower grows on brown twigs.

magnolia

Magnolia loebneri 'Leonard Messel'

Magnolia loebneri 'Leonard Messel' is a deciduous tree in the Magnolia family. It has a rounded and spreading habit and can grow up 15 to 25 feet tall with an almost equal spread. Its gorgeous blooms appear in midsummer and are rose-pink on the outside and bright white on the inside. The fragrant blooms can reach up to 8 inches wide and stand out due to their beautiful displays. Magnolia loebneri 'Leonard Messel' has a low maintenance requirement and prefers moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial sun to partial shade. Perfect for a garden or an area by a patio, it is a stunning addition to any landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

White to purplish-pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

High

watering

The Magnolia loebneri 'Leonard Messel' should be watered at least once every 2 weeks. In the warmer months, water the plants more frequently, aiming for once a week. During hot days or long periods of no rain, water the plant when the soil is dry to a depth of at least 2 or 3 inches. In colder months, water the Magnolia less frequently, about once a month. Take care to water the plant's root system rather than just the surface of the soil, and do not let the soil remain soggy.

sunlight

Magnolia leobneri 'Leonard Messel' plants require full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day to remain healthy and produce the fragrant, white blooms for which this species is known. They tend to do best in more humid climates with sheltered spots where they can receive full sun during the growing season but partial shade during the hottest hours. In cooler climates with cooler summers, however, full sun during the day is recommended. It’s best to give your plant a few hours of direct sunlight in the morning and then keep it in a shadier spot later in the day when the sun is usually the strongest.

pruning

To achieve optimal growth and maintain the desired shape of Magnolia loebneri 'Leonard Messel', it should be pruned approximately once a year after it flowers in late winter or early spring. Begin by removing any broken or diseased branches. Then, identify and remove branches that are intersecting or rubbing against each other as well as those that are growing inward, preventing light and air circulation inside the tree. It is also important to prune any suckers that appear at the base of the trunk. Finally, cut back any side branches that are longer than the central stem by only 1-third of their size. This method of light annual pruning should be repeated for several years to ensure long-term growth and overall health of the tree.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Magnolia loebneri 'Leonard Messel' typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Magnolia a deciduous or evergreen plant?

Magnolia is a deciduous plant, meaning it drops its leaves annually. It is part of the Magnoliaceae family and has over 80 species found in the Northern Hemisphere. The large, showy flowers bloom in a wide range of colors from white to purple and appear before the foliage emerges in the spring. Depending on the species, some Magnolia trees may hold their leaves through the winter and drop them just before new growth emerges in the spring.

Are all Magnolia flowers fragrant?

No, not all Magnolia flowers are fragrant. Some, like the Star or Saucer Magnolias, are fragrant while others, such as the Loebner Magnolia, are not. There are over 200 species of magnolias, and not every one produces a scented bloom. Some magnolia flowers, however, have an unmistakable sweet smell. It is best to do research on the species of magnolias you are growing to determine if its flowers are fragrant or not.

Is Magnolia a good plant for attracting wildlife?

Yes, Magnolia is an excellent plant for attracting wildlife. Not only does it provide bright and fragrant blooms for pollinators to enjoy, but its large leaves provide protection for birds seeking a safe place to nest. Its multiple saucer-shaped blooms open up quickly in early spring, in turn providing a rich source of nectar for a variety of bees and butterflies. Additionally, many Magnolia trees produce a sweet sap that can be used to attract hummingbirds and other birds that are especially fond of the sugary treat.

Are there different varieties of Magnolia?

Yes, there are different varieties of Magnolia. There are more than 100 species of Magnolia that have been identified. These different types of Magnolias vary in size, shape, colour and form, giving gardeners the opportunity to choose from a wide range of plants for their gardens. Popular varieties include the Southern Magnolia, Star Magnolia, Saucer Magnolia, Genus Magnolia and Umbrella Magnolia. Each of these varieties offer something different and beautiful for a variety of landscapes.

Can Magnolia be propagated by cuttings?

Yes, magnolia can be propagated by cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the stems of juvenile (2 years old or younger) plants, making sure to include one to two nodes. The nodes are the small bumps located on the stem where leafy shoots will emerge. The cuttings should then be immediately placed in a damp potting medium, such as sandy soil. If desired, one can also dip the cutting into rooting hormone prior to planting to speed the growth of roots. Properly watered and placed in indirect light, the cutting should begin producing roots in 4 to 6 weeks.

Could Magnolia be trained to grow on a trellis?

Yes, Magnolia can be trained to grow on a trellis. Establish a strong and sturdy trellis in a spot with full or partial sun and make sure it is in an area with good airflow. Plant the Magnolia tree at least two feet away from the trellis. When it starts to grow and get tall, train it to grow up the trellis by tying stems to the trellis and pruning the lower branches off. With routine training and pruning, it can be trained to the shape and height desired in no time.

Can Magnolia tolerate drought conditions?

Yes, Magnolia trees can tolerate drought conditions. They have relatively deep root systems which help them access water that is deeper in the soil, and they are often more drought-tolerant than many other plants. To help them during periods of drought, you should mulch around the base of the tree and keep it well-watered.

Can Magnolia be grown in a coastal area?

Yes, Magnolia can be grown in a coastal area. It is tolerant of salt spray and wet soils, making it an ideal choice for coastal gardens. Magnolia prefers well-drained soils, with pH levels of 6 to 7. When planting near the coast, make sure to select a variety that is suited to your climate and and give it plenty of space to grow. Using organic mulch and watering deeply during dry periods can also help protect the tree and keep it healthy.